B40-AFB2 Marine Tin-Free Antifouling Coating

B40-AFB2 Marine Tin-Free Antifouling Coating

Product Introduction:

The B40-AFB2 is a high-performance, tin-free, single-pack antifouling coating specifically developed for the rigorous demands of the global marine industry. As a self-polishing copolymer (SPC) type coating, it delivers long-term, controlled biocide release that effectively prevents the settlement and growth of marine organisms—including barnacles, algae, slime, and tube worms—on ship hulls and underwater structures. This product is formulated without organotin compounds, making it environmentally acceptable while maintaining excellent fouling protection for up to 60 months, depending on the dry film thickness applied and the vessel's operational profile. Its solvent-borne system offers a VOC content of less than 330 grams per litre and provides a matt finish with good colour stability. The B40-AFB2 is designed for ease of application by airless spray and is compatible with a wide range of anticorrosive primer systems. It is suitable for all phases of a vessel's lifecycle—from newbuilding construction and major dry-docking refurbishment to routine in-service maintenance and on-board touch-ups—delivering reliable fuel savings through maintained hull smoothness and reduced drag.

This product is a single-pack, ready-to-use antifouling coating with a volume solids content of 62 percent, plus or minus 2 percent. It dries to a matt or flat sheen finish. Being a one-pack system, it requires no mixing and has no induction period – it can be applied straight from the container after simple stirring. The volatile organic compound content is less than 330 grams per litre.

For application, airless spray is the recommended method, using a tip size range of 0.48 to 0.63 millimetres and an output pressure of at least 17 MPa. Air spray is also acceptable, with a tip size of 2.0 to 3.0 millimetres and an output pressure of at least 0.4 MPa. Brush or roller application is suitable only for small-area touch-ups and repairs. Thinner is generally not recommended; however, in exceptional circumstances where adjustment is absolutely necessary, BX-801 may be added at a maximum of 5 percent by volume. All application equipment should be cleaned with BX-801 after use.

Intended Uses:

*Long-term antifouling protection for commercial vessel hulls (cargo ships, tankers, bulk carriers, container ships) and offshore structures.

*Newbuilding construction, major refurbishment, and repair/maintenance applications.

*In-service (on-board) maintenance and spot repairs for aged B40-AFB2 coatings.

Film Thickness & Theoretical Coverage:

Drying & Overcoating Data：

Pack Size, Flash Point & Shelf Life:

The product is supplied as a single component in a 20-litre container, containing 35.4 kg net weight (equivalent to 18 litres by volume). It has a flash point greater than 28°C. When stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated conditions away from direct sunlight, heat, and fire sources, with the container kept tightly sealed, the shelf life is a minimum of 12 months at 25°C; storage life should be confirmed by actual inspection after this period.

Surface Preparation:

B40-AFB2 should be applied over a recommended anticorrosive primer system. The primer surface must be clean, dry, and free from any contamination. Remove all oil, grease, soluble salts, and other foreign matter by high-pressure fresh water washing or appropriate rinsing, followed by SSPC-SP1 solvent cleaning standards. For newbuilding applications, the primer and subsequent antifouling coats must be applied within the specified overcoating intervals as detailed in the relevant product data sheets. Damaged or broken areas should be prepared to the required standard (e.g., St3 hand-tool cleaning or abrasive blasting) and primed before the full B40-AFB2 coat is applied.

Application & Handling Notes:

Being a single-pack product, B40-AFB2 requires no mixing and has no induction period – it is ready for use after simple stirring. For optimal results, airless spray is the recommended application method using a tip size of 0.48 to 0.63 millimetres and an output pressure of at least 17 MPa. Air spray may also be used with a tip size of 2.0 to 3.0 millimetres and an output pressure of at least 0.4 MPa. Brush or roller application is acceptable only for small-area touch-ups and repairs. Thinning is generally not recommended; if necessary due to unusual site conditions, BX-801 may be added at a maximum of 5 percent by volume. All equipment should be cleaned with BX-801 immediately after use.

Newbuilding & Repair Applications:

For newbuilding projects, B40-AFB2 should be applied over the recommended primer scheme. The primer surface must be clean, dry, and uncontaminated, and the coating must be applied within the specified overcoating window. Damaged areas should be prepared to the specified standard (e.g., St3) and primed prior to full coating.

For repair and maintenance, B40-AFB2 may be applied directly over intact, tightly adherent aged B40-AFB2 coatings after thorough fresh water washing and degreasing. If the old coating is loose, flaking, or otherwise unsound, it should be removed back to a firm edge, and the exposed area should be repaired with an appropriate primer before the full finish coat is applied.

Important Limitations And Operational Notes:

1.Coating lifetime is directly proportional to the thickness applied. The antifouling performance of this product depends upon the specified film thickness being achieved. After the final antifouling coat has dried, the vessel should be launched and immersed in seawater within 15 days. If this period is exceeded, the antifouling performance may be impaired.

2.After immersion, the colour of the coating may change to grey or grey-green – this is a normal and harmless phenomenon that does not affect performance.

3.To ensure the full antifouling performance, it is not recommended to dry-dock the vessel again after launching. However, if a second dry-docking becomes necessary, after the antifouling coating has been immersed and then re-exposed and dehydrated, fine cracks may appear on the coating surface. This is a normal phenomenon and will not affect the antifouling effectiveness.

4.When applying at low temperatures, the drying time at welding seams may be prolonged due to the accumulating effect of paint in these thicker areas. The dry time and overcoating interval may change according to environmental factors.

Safety Precautions:

Avoid prolonged inhalation of solvent vapours or paint mist. Prevent skin and eye contact by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, protective clothing). Ensure adequate ventilation during application and observe standard fire prevention measures, noting the flash point above 28°C. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and open flames, with containers tightly sealed when not in use.